On the wireless connectivity front, the Nexus 5 has just about everything you’d ever want: 802.11ac (and a/b/g/n), NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and 4G LTE. The Nexus 5 reportedly supports a lot of different cellular bands, but we’ll have more on that later once we’ve had a chance to investigate the hardware spec fully. We believe that almost every worldwide LTE provider is supported — except, curiously enough, Verizon.

Software-wise, Android 4.4 KitKat will make its debut on the Nexus 5. Android 4.4 is a huge update that we’ll cover in detail later today, but here’s a quick rundown of its important new features: A new full-screen “Immersive” mode (pictured below) that allows apps to use every pixel on the screen; better support for low-power sensors (and a built-in pedometer!); better access to your files, both on the local file system and in the cloud; easier printing; new NFC capabilities — and of course, the whole thing is faster, more memory efficient, etc.

Immersive mode in Android 4.4 KitKat

The Nexus 5 is fairly svelte, too — well, as svelte as a 5-inch smartphone can be, anyway. The Nexus 5 is 8.59mm thick, 137.84mm long, 69.17mm wide, and it weighs in at 130 grams (4.58 ounces). The Galaxy Note 3 (5.7-inch display), by comparison, is about half an inch wider and taller, and weighs 168 grams (5.93 ounces). The Galaxy S4, which also has a 5-inch display, is slightly thinner than the Nexus 5, but otherwise virtually identical.

In fact, spec-wise, the Nexus 5 is very, very similar to the Galaxy S4. The main difference is that the Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4 — but it doesn’t have the Galaxy S4’s removable micro SD card storage. The 16GB Nexus 5 is just $350 off-contract, though, while the comparable Galaxy S4 is $700. The Nexus 5, like the Nexus 4, is a seriously good deal — and really, if you’re rocking an Android phone that’s more than 12 months old, you should upgrade to the Nexus 5 today.

Post a Comment

There are very few differences. Maybe they feel different in the hand (but we won’t know for a few days). But hardware-wise, they look very, very similar.

androiddoglover6969

I was just wondering because I am fairly new to android and want a more detailed article comparing specs while reading. I do agree that the nexus 5 looks similar. But I also think it is better looking because doesn’t have the intrusive samsung logo. Also the edges of the corner look more defined to the eye compared to S4. And glad google don’t have a Apple home button in a different shape. The screen choice is different too. Though no expandable SD only 16/32 is kind of sad. Expect to put high quality music on that thing. Wonder what the dac compares to the S4 is. Anyway I’m off.

mrseanpaul81

First of all: Welcome to Android!
Nexus devices don’t have an SD card. A Google engineer had a post detailing the reasons (confusing User Interface due to two different file systems, confusion with apps expecting SD when SD was removed,…).

So if you want an SD card, there are plenty of alternatives. What you do get is a pure Android experience! (trust me, once you taste it, you will never want to go back). You also get the latest and greatest software update within weeks (if not days) (as long as your device is not more than 18 months old from time of release), case in Point: I am rocking a Galaxy nexus that was released in November 2011, although I got the 4.3 update back in July, I will not get the 4.4 update that just got released today. (One of the many reasons why I already ordered a 32 GB Black Nexus 5).

Of course it’s going to be two different types of systems. But having that option with phones that do include SD card integration is already fine with it. I don’t want to hear your life story about what phone you have sorry not trying to be rude but it happens a lot. Thanks for some info.

Neutrino .

What are you rocking it on? Won’t you scratch it?

Singh1699

S4 is snap 600, this is 800.

Hardware in this is better.

AndroidDogHeatandSteelersFan

Someone with straightforward answers.

heda_p

after resisting so long…sold by amazing specs, ordered this one…..returning iphone 5s GOLD

meddle0ne

That’s a pretty great value.

Seth T Wilson

Wait, no microSD? Again? A “flagship” with as little as 16GB, no card slot? You’ve got to be kidding me, Google. I figured this would be an automatic buy for me since I wanted a new phone already. Maybe it will be a Nexus 5, which I was sure of previously, but now that the full specs are available I must shop around first. VERY disappointing, and perhaps one little deal killer.

Jake

I’ve always wondered why people need so much storage on their phone for. Keep what you need. Let the rest sit on the cloud, or your PC.

Mozaik

We can’t take PC with us everywhere , and today smartphone display has 1080p screen won’t you like to play hardcore games and watch movies on it , listen to every songs.

Seth T Wilson

For me it is about music. I want to carry a fair selection with me, even if it is only a small portion of my entire catalog, and not have to switch and swap every week or two due to space limitations. I shouldn’t have to carry an iPod around too. I’m not asking for a terabyte. I may still buy it, but leaving out a feature that costs them next to nothing in order to force us to use their cloud BS is unacceptable. If 4G, wifi and charging stations were 100% ubiquitous, that might be fine, but they are not. I have yet to see a cloud service that is as easy and transparent to use as a microSD card. Plus I don’t think it is too much to ask that this phone be as flexible in this area as my HTC G1/Dream from 2008.

pixelstuff

One would think if they aren’t going to have an SD card slot and removable battery, they could at least make it water proof as a trade off.

Singh1699

it’s $350 though. Makes sense to be waterproof however, as it may get a visit by the loch ness monster.

abcdefgqwerty

Is the battery life better? A mobile phone constantly plugged into an car charger or outlet kind of defeats the purpose of being mobile in the first place.

abcdefgqwerty

How about instead of rushing out new phones every 6 months they do some real research into the hard problem of battery life and try to do something there. Better power sources are way more important then a slightly faster cpu

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Copyright 1996-2015 Ziff Davis, LLC.PCMag Digital Group All Rights Reserved. ExtremeTech is a registered trademark of Ziff Davis, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis, LLC. is prohibited.